“He’s just shy”, but what if he’s not?
For months, Mrs. Oluchi told herself her 3-year-old son, Tochi, was simply quiet. He was energetic, curious, and affectionate but unlike his cousins, he didn’t speak in full sentences. Sometimes, he would point or grunt when he wanted something. Other times, he would throw a tantrum out of frustration.
It wasn’t until a teacher suggested that he might need speech therapy that she realized something more was going on. At Chiron Hospital, a children’s hospital in Lagos, stories like Tochi’s are more common than many parents realize. Speech and language delays affect thousands of Nigerian children, and yet, many go undiagnosed for years because their challenges are mistaken for shyness, stubbornness, or simply “a phase.”
What Is a Speech Delay?
Speech delay refers to when a child doesn’t begin speaking as expected for their age. This could mean saying fewer words than peers, struggling to form sentences, or having difficulty being understood. For some, it may be a mild delay. For others, it may be part of a more complex speech or language disorder that needs specialist attention.
The Difference Between Speech and Language
Speech is about how we say words, our articulation, voice, and fluency. Language is about what we say, understanding, vocabulary, grammar, and using words to express thoughts.
A child might pronounce words clearly but struggle to form sentences (language delay), or they might understand everything you say but be difficult to understand when they speak (speech delay). Either way, both are worth evaluating.
When Should Parents Worry?
While all children develop at their own pace, here are some general markers:
- By 12 months: babbling, responding to names, making sounds to express needs
- By 18 months: using 6–10 words meaningfully, following simple commands
- By 2 years: combining two words (e.g. “want juice”), pointing to objects
- By 3 years: speaking in short sentences, being understood by strangers at least 50–75% of the time
If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, it’s okay to be concerned and it’s wise to seek an evaluation. The earlier a delay is spotted, the better the outcome.
What Causes Speech Delay?
There’s no single reason, but common causes include:
- Hearing impairments
- Oral-motor difficulties (issues with tongue or jaw coordination)
- Developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder
- Neurological conditions or birth trauma
- Environmental factors, such as limited conversation at home or excessive screen time
At Chiron Hospital, a children’s hospital in Lagos, we begin with thorough assessments to identify the root of the issue because a diagnosis is the first step toward support.
What Evaluation Looks Like at Chiron Hospital
When you bring your child in, we take the time to understand their history, home environment, and behavior. Our multidisciplinary team, including pediatricians, speech therapists, and neurologists (if needed) will:
- Review developmental milestones
- Conduct hearing screening
- Observe how your child communicates
- Provide a clear, jargon-free explanation of what’s happening and what can help
We know this can be an emotional journey, especially for first-time parents, so we ensure that families are never rushed, judged, or left without answers.
How We Help Children Find Their Voice
Our speech and language therapy program is tailored to each child. We use play-based approaches, interactive tools, and family involvement to support learning. Sessions focus on building confidence as well as communication skills. In our culture, children who don’t talk “on time” are often labeled as stubborn, lazy, or even spiritually cursed. But the truth is: delayed speech is a developmental issue, not a moral failing and with early intervention, so much progress is possible.
We’ve seen children go from one-word utterances to full storytelling, from tantrums to expressing their needs calmly. The earlier we act, the brighter the outcome. At Chiron Hospital, we don’t just treat symptoms, we support families. We believe every child deserves to be heard, and we’re here to help them find their voice.
Whether you’re concerned about your toddler, a preschooler falling behind, or an older child struggling with speech clarity, it’s never too early, or too late to seek help.
📞 Book a pediatric speech evaluation today: +234 909 000 1078
📧 Email: admin@chironhospital.org
🌐 Visit: www.chironhospital.org
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